Suspension noise and sagging

Tiny
LITTLE83BIT
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
There is a bad rattle from I guess the stabilizer arm that has nothing but a long bolt with a nut holding it on with about two inches of play in it (both driver and passenger side), and the driver side suspension is slightly lower than the other side. I know something is not right but I just cannot put my finger on what is causing the sag, it looks like everything is worn and cracked! But both sides look equally worn out, so whati s causing the sag?

Also, I use my truck for hauling a lot of scrap metal and I was thinking of adding a couple more leaf springs so that it can handle the weight better. I do my own mechanic work cause I do not trust other "mechanics" and I always know exactly what has been done. The truck was my best friend's and he passed away and left it to me, so it really means a lot. So I want to make sure I get it right being I do not know a lot about suspension and exactly what makes it preform at its best. If someone has time to break it down to me, I would love to learn. Thank you
Saturday, September 15th, 2018 AT 6:06 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I am Danny.

Sounds like the suspension is a little worn out. The stabilizer bar you speak of should not have two inches of play. That would cause a rattle/wobble while driving. As far as sag. That can be a combination of worn bushings/coil springs. If you can use your phone to make a close up video and upload it here we would be glad to take a look.There are several off-road shops/suspension companies that make leaf packs with extra leafs in them for towing/hauling. You can order them as complete assemblies and install yourself. Stay away from those do-it-yourself extra add-a-leaf. They do not help the ride and wear out after six months. Also, a good set of shocks helps your ride quality as well. I recommend the Bilstein brand. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions.Thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-shock-absorber
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Saturday, September 15th, 2018 AT 10:12 AM

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